CONCERNS have been raised that a former police station will be converted into homes, instead of being used by the community, after an offer was made to buy it.

Signs have been placed outside Wickford police station this week to say that it is “under offer” almost four months after it was put up for sale with a price tag of three quarters of a million pounds.

It comes after the front counter of the station in London Road was closed to the public in November 2011, and two years after police made the decision to close its doors permanently.

Essex Police confirmed that they received an offer from a “potential purchaser” but refused to comment further due to the matter being commercially sensitive.

Wickford station is one of several being sold as the estate is reduced from 80 to approximately 30 buildings.

The force defended its plans to cut the number of stations two years ago, saying residents prefer to call them or visit online.

David Harrison, Wickford Independents councillor for Wickford Park, said it would be “a pity” if the building was converted for residential use.

He said: The probability is that it’s going to some developer.

“If it’s going to a developer then there must be a good possibility that it will be changed into houses or flats.

“It depends on who is buying it.

“I think that the building could have stayed in the community for community use in one way or another.

“It’s disappointing if it won’t be, but the police and crime commissioner made the decision to sell it off.

“Chances are that it will be turned into a residential development, although I don’t know for sure.

“It is a fairly big site, as it also includes the house next door to it as well.

“It will be a pity for it to be turned into homes because once a community building is gone, it is gone for good.”

An Essex Police spokesman said: “We can confirm that we have received an offer from a potential purchaser on the former police station at Wickford .

“Negotiations remain at an early stage and we are unable to comment further.”